ZESCO FACES CRITICISM OVER IMPENDING KARIBA SHUTDOWN
Zambia’s state-owned electricity company, ZESCO, is under fire as it struggles to manage the ongoing energy crisis. The company recently announced a planned increase in load-shedding hours to 17 hours per day and a potential 156% tariff hike, pending approval from the Energy Regulation Board (ERB). These measures have not been well-received by consumers, who are already facing significant challenges due to the energy shortages.
Critics argue that ZESCO should prioritize addressing its internal issues before passing additional costs on to consumers. As the Kariba Dam rehabilitation project looms, the need for clear communication from ZESCO is crucial. Consumers and stakeholders demand more information on how the shutdown will impact service delivery and what they can expect during this period.
ZESCO’s attempts to reassure the nation that these measures are temporary have done little to quell public skepticism. Many continue to call for greater transparency and a more effective approach to tackle the challenges facing Zambia’s energy sector.
KUMWESU AUG 22, 2024
If food runs out in a home and the parents you would run a riot? Some sense of logic some people have.
Water levels are so low at Kariba North that the Hydro station can not run. This will continue to happen until the rains come.
This case may not be isolated to Kariba alone. It MAY extend to other power plants that are driven by hydro electricity.
Its there inevitable that power will need to be imported. And to cover that cost tariffs will be raised. The PROPOSED tarifd increase doesnt affect those that use 200 kw its the large power consumers users that will be affected.
If this is done and a move in the right direction; we will still have a situation where 17hrs loadshedding; a result of the falling water levels.
It is my appeal that funds be sourced from well wishers in the form of a grant; to cover the next three or four months to mitigate the prolonged outage.
The Prolonged loadsheding will affect productive Zambians.